Gifts Today magazine

New distribution centre for Wedgwood

Fiskars Corporation approves construction of new distribution depot for Wedgwood and Royal Doulton, creating 150 jobs

Up to 150 jobs are being created with the opening of a new distribution centre which will send some of Stoke-on-Trent's biggest pottery brands around the world. The new recruits will work at a newly-constructed Sideway warehouse which will lead to the closure of an existing distribution depot at Stafford.

The Fiskars Corporation - which owns the Wedgwood, Waterford, Royal Doulton and Royal Albert brands - has approved the construction of the bigger distribution depot. It completed the acquisition of WWRD in July 2015.

Fiskars Living Business president Ulrik Garde Due says: "The relocation of our current warehouse from Stafford to Prologis Park Sideway will provide us with the flexibility and capability to service our consumers and support the growing demands of e-commerce globally. All of our current warehouse team, who already provide an excellent service, will be relocating to the new site.

"We are delighted to be part of creating up to 150 new jobs. This move continues our commitment to the transformation of the Wedgwood, Waterford, Royal Doulton and Royal Albert brands and our further investment into the local area."

The Sentinel revealed in 2015 how developer Prologis was building a 210,000 sq-ft warehouse at Sideway. But the developer refused to reveal which company had snapped up the unit.

A ceremony was held this week to mark the completion of the building work. The centre will be operated by logistics giant DSV.

DSV managing director Peter Nielsen said: "We are delighted to have secured this new facility to fulfil our contract with Fiskars. We are relocating from the company's existing distribution centre at Prologis Park Stafford so it will be a smooth transition for the existing staff. Also, Wedgwood was founded in Stoke-on-Trent so we are particularly pleased to be establishing this new logistics operation in the city."

Business leaders have welcomed the latest boost for the pottery industry. A North Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce spokesman told The Sentinel: "The ceramics industry is not only part of our deep-rooted heritage but also an engine for growth and investment, creating employment opportunities. It is great to see Wedgwood going from strength to strength. This investment is brilliant news for the region and our local economy."